Royalty Gone Bad
Chapter 3: 3. The Ball
***
Writer's POV:
The palace people weren't surprised when the prince returned very late, drunk, high and smelt of cheap perfume from the dishonorable women he probably was with. Djafar had to order the guards to hurriedly take him up to his room before his parents had a heart attack, at the sight of their son. Lipstick stains all over his once, pure white and expensive shirt. Everyone pitied the old King.
--
"He's an airhead," Saïda told her father, while she fixed his bed with new sheets.
"Saïda, the language," Djafar corrected, resting in his armchair and tired from all the day's activities.
"Sorry, father. But it is true. I feel so bad for the king and Queen. They sure are nice people, yet their son gives them high blood pressure. I wish he could be a little more grateful towards them."
"Saïda, my dear. It is better we don't mind their business. I too, disapproves the Prince's attitude, but what can we do? His parents need to firm up a little more. Maybe it's not to late to change him."
"I hope," she stepped back, finished. "I'm done."
"Thank you, my dear," he stood and hugged his only daughter.
Djafar had two children. An older son, Ahmed, and Saïda. Ahmed had been sent to Istanbul for studies and to learn how to be independent. He returned to Zagreh every holiday. Djafar was a proud father because, alone, he'd raised his children into hardworking, independent and very intelligent people. He'd lost his wife two years after Saïda was born.
"You are welcome."
He kissed her forehead and she left.
***
The next day, it wasn't still surprising that the Prince hadn't come down for breakfast or lunch. It was past one in the afternoon, and he was probably still asleep. His parents didn't bother this time as they were busy, making sure the arrangements for the evening's ball were being made. Whether Asahd liked it or not, he would attend it and meet Zhou.
--
"Saïda, your father will give you a list of names of very important people that will attend the ball tonight." the Queen told the young girl, that afternoon.
"Yes, my Queen."
you'll go everywhere with him, tonight, and make him greet all these people. It's his duty as crowned Prince, to
with him, until he's done
I want them to spend some time together so they get to know each other a little," the Queen regained her fancy seat. "Hopefully, he will learn to appreciate her and just then,
Zhou?" Saïda asked, a hint of amusement
"Yes, my dear."
Saïda
her. Or amused, rather. Who could survive a day
be needing my services anymore, my Queen, I would love to return to my duties right
"Yes you can, dear."
and left
***
you every single person you have to greet. And how. She'll tell you whom is whom and what you should
and the guests
miracle that he'd made it back home, safely.
an aspirin?" Djafar
"I– I think."
you to act like an
Asahd joked, chuckling a little and taking a seat. He was still a
went to get an aspirin, then returned
It was his daughter calling.
the Prince is ready, I'm ready to teach him
Djafar hung up and turned to the prince. "Saïda is waiting. You'll have to
wonder how I'm going to retain all she's
all morning and afternoon, you
"I plead, guilty."
with you for help until you're done greeting the
stood, feeling better. "How
prince. And you'll have to
stuff is killing me. I hope
seen her before. Daughter of Mr. Raman Hassan. A
need her to be prettier than every woman I've ever met and servant girl in this palace. On a score from 1-10, how many do
"Please, Djafar." Asahd insisted.